Cabernet Hat Trick for the Holidays

While many of us may have visions of sugar plum fairies dancing around in our heads, or thoughts of turkey, there are meat lovers who crave hearty fare with full-bodied red wines while seated around the table during the Christmas holidays. We are fortunate to be able to offer consumers Cabernet-based wines from three continents. If still mourning England’s losses during the World Cup, Australia’s Claymore Winery, located in the Clare Valley, has a tasty Cabernet Malbec blend to help soothe the pain of the loss, but matches beautifully with prime rib. 2019 Claymore London Calling Cabernet Malbec #522110, $19.95. It received 95 points at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. Argentina is one the world’s largest producers of premium beef, and a major red wine producer too. Bordeaux’s Cabernet Franc grape has a found place of prominence in the Andean foothills vineyards in Mendoza region. 2018 Riglos Gran Cabernet Franc #26102, $33.95, hits a premium high note with esteemed journalist,Tim Atkin, giving it 95 points. Filet mignon, por favor. Lake County, California, north of Napa and Sonoma, is a new hot spot for Cabernet Sauvignon. At a higher elevation, with their cool nights, the grapes ripen at a slower pace and provide a freshness and balance essential to great Cabernet character. Shannon Ridge 2019 Buck Shack Cabernet Sauvignon #16201, $29.95, received 91 points from Wine Enthusiast. Top Sirloin, pleeeeze. All three wines exhibit shades of the classic bouquet of black currants with a hint of mint, deep garnet colour and a full body with the dark fruit underpinned by oak notes. Not just for enjoyment, but also perfect for gift giving, get yourself to your local LCBO retail store and pick up some of these bottles. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and please enjoy these wines in moderation.